Follow a trail through Wexford's history, culture and natural beauty to discover oustanding attractions and hidden gems.

Wexford Craft Trail

The hum of the potter’s wheel, the click of the weaver’ s shuttle, hammer blows to the anvil and the calm of needlework – these are the sounds of County Wexford’s craftsmen and women at work. Across this historic county in the towns, villages and down country lanes you will find the studios of today’s  practitioners of traditional crafts.

Click here to see the creative members of the Craft Trail.

Wexford Garden Trail

The large public gardens of County Wexford provide an ideal outing for all the family. Our smaller private gardens will give you not only an enjoyable and relaxing afternoon and introduce you to the range of plants which we can grow in this temperate region. Our Garden Trail includes specialist nurseries for the more unusual plants and award-winning garden centres that will provide for all your gardening needs.

Click here to see the green-fingered members of the Garden Trail.

Wexford Heritage Trail

An age-old gateway into Ireland, County Wexford is steeped in history dating back to the Stone Age, over 6,000 years ago. Our Heritage Trail leads you to castles, churches and abbeys, battlefields, historic towns and villages, great houses and gardens, windmills, wild bird reserves and forts. You’ll find all this and more in County Wexford, the cornerstone of Ireland’s Ancient East!

Click here to see the historic members of the Heritage Trail.

Wexford Walking Trails

In County Wexford we have a diversity of walking trails to accommodate a range of abilities and interests: mountain and hill walking; coastal; riverside; woodland; historic and scenic. Visit the Wexford Walking Trail website for more information. Wexford County Council’s Explorer for ArcGIS smartphone app lets you navigate these walks easily. Download the app and see more interesting maps of the county here.

Click here to see the wonderful walks that you can enjoy around County Wexford.

The Norman Way

The Norman Way is a heritage trail that runs along the south coast of County Wexford. Along this Wexford Trail you will discover authentic medieval sites which will help you to understand the Norman way of life. The Norman Way in Wexford is a true treasure of Ireland’s Ancient East. Discover the Norman way of life in the place where it first took hold in Ireland over 800 years ago.

Click here to visit The Norman Way website. Let the Normans lead the way…

Click on the links below to see more nearby

Heritage

Dunbrody Famine Ship
New Ross, Co. Wexford.
Tel: 051 425239.
www.dunbrody.com

The Dunbrody is a full-scale reproduction of a 19th Century famine ship (three masted Barque built in Quebec in 1845) which brought many emigrants from Ireland to America during and after the Great Famine.  Board the Dunbrody and walk in the footsteps of famine emigrants on their journey of hope across the Atlantic Ocean.

Ros Tapestry
The Quay, New Ross, County Wexford.
Tel: 051-445396
www.rostapestry.com

The Ros Tapestry features 15 large panels which depict the events around the Anglo-Norman arrival in the South East of Ireland, specifically the founding of the town of New Ross and the combined effects on the shaping of Leinster and Ireland by William Marshal and his wife, Isabel de Clare, daughter of Strongbow.

John F Kennedy Arboretum
New Ross, Co. Wexford.
Tel: 051 388171
www.heritageireland.ie

The arboretum is dedicated to the memory of John F. Kennedy and contains 4,500 types of trees and shrubs from all temperate regions of the world. There are 200 forest plots grouped by continent.   It covers 252 hectares with panoramic views, picnic areas, maze, play area, lake, tearoom/shop (seasonal), miniature railway (seasonal) and visitor centre with audio-visual.

Kennedy Homestead
Dunganstown, New Ross, Co. Wexford.
Tel: 051 388264
www.kennedyhomestead.com

Visit the birthplace of the late President John F Kennedy’s great grandfather where you can enjoy an audio-visual presentation and guided tour, which takes visitors through the family history and historical setting of the Kennedy legacy.

Dunbrody Abbey & Visitor Centre
Campile, Co. Wexford.
Tel: 051 388933

Dunbrody Abbey is a 12th Century Cistercian Monastery and a visit is a must.  It includes a full-sized hedge maze, pitch and putt course, textile academy, craft shop and tea rooms.

Tintern Abbey
Tintern, Saltmills, Co. Wexford.
Tel: 051 562650

Cistercian Abbey founded c1200 by William, Earl of Marshall.

Hook Light House and Heritage Centre
Hook Head, Co. Wexford.
Tel: 051 397055
www.hookheritage.ie

The Hook Light House is about 800 years old and is the oldest operational lighthouse in the world.  Guided tours of the lighthouse tower are available all year round and are one of the top things to do in Wexford and Waterford.  Visitors can climb the 115 steps to the spectacular view from the balcony.   The Hook Light House is listed as the no. 1 flashiest lighthouse in the world by the Lonely Planet Guide.

Duncannon Fort
Duncannon, Co. Wexford.
Tel: 051 389454.
www.duncannonfort.com

Duncannon Fort is a star-shaped fortress built to repel the Spanish Armada and to stop the pirates plundering the merchant ships on their way up to Waterford Harbour. Built in 1588, the Fort boasts many attractions including a Military and Maritime Museum, Pirates Visitor Centre, Cockleshells Arts Centre displaying works by local artists, exhibitions, artist studio, café and craft ship.

Loftus Hall
Hook Head, Co. Wexford.
Tel: 051 397728
www.loftushall.com

Loftus Hall is reputed to be the most haunted house in Ireland.  Interactive tours are available which recount the grim and gruesome history behind Loftus Hall.

Irish National Heritage Park
Ferrycarrig, Wexford.
Tel: 053 9120733.
www.inhp.com

In just one visit, you can experience 9,000 years of Irish history in a fascinating setting of woodland, riverbank and native Irish dwellings.  Discover how the Celtic, Norman and Viking settlers left their mark on the countryside.

Johnstown Castle and Irish Agricultural Museum
Murntown, Co. Wexford.
Tel: 053 9171247
www.irishagrimuseum.ie

Johnstown Castle is a 19th Century turreted castle whose gardens contain a wide variety of trees and shrubs, exotic examples blend with native species in a stunning setting that represents the best aspects of both a formal and a wild garden.  A man-made lake with its own particular flora and fauna adds to the appeal of this wonderful Wexford landmark.  The Irish Agricultural Museum displays a large number of agricultural artefacts including some items donated by Rosegarland Estate.

The Wexford Walking Experience
Wexford
Tel:  053 9122400
www.wexfordoperahouse.ie

2 hour historical and anecdotal walking tour of Wexford town which takes place every Wednesday.  Booking:  Wexford Opera House.

Wexford Walking Tours
Wexford.
Tel:  087 9175171
www.wexfordwalkingtours.net

This 90 minute walking tour of Wexford’s historical sights departs from Wexford Tourism Office on Crescent Quay at 11 am every day (except Sunday) from 1 March to 31 October.

Wells House & Gardens
Gorey, Co. Wexford.
Tel: 053 9186737
www.wellshouse.ie

Enjoy exploring Wells House and Gardens, a Victorian house in North Wexford.  A host of activities are available to entertain visitors including a woodland walk, a restored Victorian garden, a living Victorian house tour, archery, falconry, an adventure playground, a craft courtyard and tearooms.

Kilmore Quay and the Saltee Islands
Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford
www.kilmorequayweb.com

Kilmore Quay is a scenic fishing village renowned for its thatched cottages and for producing some of the best seafood in Ireland.  Boat trips to the nearby Saltee Islands are highly recommended to see the gannets, puffins and seals.

Outdoor Activities

Abbey Par 3 and Crazy Golf
Winningtown, Fethard-On-Sea, New Ross, County Wexford.
Tel: +353 (0)86 6084257
e: frankcbrowne@msn.com;

Abbey Par 3 Golf near Fethard-on-Sea in County Wexford is 40 acres of parkland. 18 holes with sand bunkers, water hazzards and challenging greens maintained to the highest standard will test your skills. The course is open from dawn to dusk all year.

Oaklands Lake
Marshmeadows, New Ross, Co. Wexford
Tel: 051 445348
www.oaklandslake.com

Oaklands Lake is a 4.5 acre man-made lake stocked with carp, 14lb plus, tench, rudd and bream.  It has 60 stands, all wheelchair friendly, toilets, tea/coffee and cold drinks.  There is also a fully stocked tackle shop on site.

Wexford Wildfowl Reserve
North Slob, Ardcavan Lane, Wexford.
Tel: 053 9123406
www.wexfordwildfowlreserve.ie

Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is a site of international importance as it is the nearest point for birds migrating in or out of Ireland.  The North and South Slobs and Wexford Harbour are home to thousands of ducks, geese, swans and waders from October to April.  Large numbers of migratory birds are to be observed stopping to feed during spring and autumn.

Watersports

Freedom Surf School & Adventure
Carnivan Beach, Fethard-On-Sea, County Wexford.
Tel: 051 386773 / Billy Butler 086 3914908
www.freedomsurfschool.com

Freedom Surf School & Adventure Activities include surfing, land yachting / blokarting, team building / beach challenges, Nordic walking, body boarding, ecology walks and hikes. Their Irish language programme provides all their activities through the Irish language and is supported by Foras na Gaeilge.

Shielbagan Outdoor Education Centre
Shielbaggan OEC, Ramsgrange, New Ross, County Wexford.
Tel: 051 389550
www.shielbagganoec.com

Shielbaggan Outdoor Education Centre is located at the top of the Hook Peninsula in the South West Wexford village of Ramsgrange.  The Centre offers dingy and board sailing, sea and river kayaking, surfing, snorkelling, sand yachting, rock climbing, hill walking, orienteering and archery.

Saltee Cruises
Kilmore Quay Marina, Kilmore, Co. Wexford.
Tel: 053 9129684/087 2529736

Daily cruises around the Saltee Islands offering spectacular views of the cliffs and marina wildlife. Puffins, Kittiwakes, Cormorants, Shearwaters and Seals are all to be observed.

Shore Fishing 

The South East Coast of Wexford offers some excellent shore fishing for anglers.  The local area around Rosegarland is particularly well known for its bass fishing.  Slade, Bannow, Cullenstown and the Estuary in Barrystown are all within easy driving distance of Rosegarland Estate.

Family Activities

Leisuremax
Sinnotstown Lane, Wexford.
Tel: 053 9122900
www.leisuremax.ie

Leisure Max offers bowling with a play centre and lots of other activities such as sumo wrestling, Gladiator, Zorbs, Climbing wall and Pillow Basher.

Play Barn
The Bosheen, Ring Road, Irishtown, New Ross, County Wexford.
Tel: 051 426647
www.rossadventureplaybarn.ie

Catering for under three year olds to up to ten year olds, it also features facilities for parents and minders such as a coffee shop, ample seating, baby changing area and wheelchair accessible toilets.

Quad Attack Adventure Centre
Clonroche, Enniscorthy, County Wexford.
Tel: 053 9244660
www.quadattack.ie

Quad Attack Adventure Centre offers an all-weather cross-country driving thrill for all ages from 6 years upwards.  An all indoor Crazy Corral includes sumo wrestling, bungee burst and rodeo bull with a bouncy castle for smaller children.

R-One Karting
Unit 7, Strandfield Business Park, Kerlogue, County Wexford.
Tel: 087 166705
ronekarting.ie

23000sq ft of go-karting fun, adrenaline, excitiment and most of all relaxation.

Shelmalier Riding Stables
Trinity, Taghmon, County Wexford.
Tel: 053 9139251

Horse and pony riding at Shelmalier Stables, Wexford. Friendly, qualified staff and well-trained horses and ponies welcome riders of all levels including beginners to Wexford’s longest established riding centre.

Wexford Swimming Pool & Gym
Ferrybank, Wexford, County Wexford.
Tel: 053 9185256
wexfordswimmingpool.ie

Located on the idylic banks of Wexford harbour and coastline Wexford Swimming Pool & Gym boasts a 25m swimming pool- 1.8m deep, a learner pool, sauna & steam room and family changing village.

Wexford Kayak Safari
Wexford Town, Wexford, County Wexford.
Tel: 087 6739357
wexfordkayaksafari.com

Wexford Kayaking Safari is a company based just outside Wexford Town Ireland. They do safari trips up the River Slaney and other rivers on request. All their Kayaks are “SIT ON”, which makes them very easy to paddle and very stable and safe in the water even for beginners.

Places To Eat

Horse & Hound Hotel
Ballinaboola, Foulksmills, Co. Wexford.
Tel: 051 428482
www.horseandhoundhotel.ie

Pub restaurant which serves a wide selection of excellent fresh Irish produce, specialising in fish and beef dishes.  This restaurant is extremely popular and has a reputation for great food.

Aldridge Lodge
Duncannon, New Ross, Co. Wexford.
Tel: 051 389116
www.aldridgelodge.com

Named the ‘Best Restaurant in Wexford’ at the 2013 Irish Restaurant Awards.  Chefs Billy Whitty and Joanne Harding provide an excellent array of fine modern Irish cuisine in a charming location. Billy was awarded the ‘Seafood Chef of the Year’ award at the 2013 Georgina Campbell Awards.  Open Wednesday to Sunday only.  Reservations essential.

Roches Bar
The Quay Road, Duncannon, The Hook Peninsula, Co. Wexford.
Tel:  051 389188.
 
A traditional Irish run pub serving great food and drink.
 
Nevilles Bar and 1170 Restaurant
Fethard-On-Sea, Co. Wexford.
Tel: 051 397160
 
Award winning Wexford Gastro Pub of the Year.  High quality food and drink at reasonable prices.
 
Mary Barry’s Seafood Bar
Kilmore Village, Co. Wexford.
Tel: 053 9135982
 
Renowned for its locally caught fresh seafood from Kilmore Quay, offering specials on a daily basis.